memories of san fernando, pampanga

the past few days i've been reminiscing my good ol' days in San Fernando, Pampanga. mom and i went there last Wednesday taking PUVs. we rode an FX to Apalit then transferred to a jeepney going to San Fernando. It was when we walked around the town proper that i felt happiness. my head didn't miss turning on all directions trying to recall how it was some 12 years ago. calesas are still in town and you can still enjoy a ride on it going to dolores, or in the vicinity of unisite subdivision. tete duyan was replaced by stone already but the waters (and the lilies) below it stays the same. three-wheelers are still zooming on the side streets, and traffic became (as to be expected) heavier. the beautiful house of worship of San Fernando Locale is still a landmark on the city's skyline, and it can be seen from the NLEX nearing San Fernando exit, along with the old patio. (photo above)

today, we stayed in our former place of abode, Sta. Rita, Minalin, and i was again too happy to round the town. best improvement i noticed right away are the trees along its main road, giving shade and a cool ambiance to the town. it was a project of my uncle when he was still a vice mayor of the town. i was happy to meet my cousins after a long, long time of not seeing each other. best part of the day was siesta time with my cousins, with us talking about things in life. later on, we were joined by the "elders". my apu told her love story when she was still courted by our grandpa. hahaha! my sister missed that gathering. it's worth half of our life--- sharing moments with our family. next stop in Pampanga--- new year's day.

few december days

Happy birthday to my MAMSI today. I got a few gift suggestions from friends here for my mom (although i didn't get any from my blog visitors), but i still decided to ask her what she would like as a present on her birthday. the best answer i got was from she, herself: "Basta lang magkasama tayong umuwi sa Pampanga papunta kay daddy, ok na sa aking gift yun." aww....

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few december days schedule

22 - off to Pampanga with mom
23 - exam/job interview @ NET 25
24 - practice with choir for year-end socializing
25 - magmano sa mga lolo at lola sa probinsya at humingi ng aguinaldo
26 - year-end socializing (locale)
27 - house clean-up
28 - house clean-up & year-end socializing (choir - pm after practice)
29 - surprise visit to our choir directress' home for her birthday (morning) & boss noriel and boss charlies arrival from Canada (night)
30 - aunt joys birthday (maybe we will go to fairview)
31 - natch's birthday (maybe i'll barbecue at home or sleep)

weekend joys

> thanksgiving worship services were graced by the LORD!
> i got my confirmation number from the embassy!

Blessings far beyond all measure,
Blessings rich beyond compare;
From Your hands so freely given,
The tender hope of every prayer.
Such unequalled love we ponder,
Oh, how marvelous Your grace!...
...Praises unto, You!
Unto You, all praise!
We exalt and honor You,
We extol Your ways!
Oh, for You great Lord,
We rejoice and sing;
Glory be ever Yours
Our eternal King!

mom's day

My mom's going to celebrate her birthday on the 22nd and i haven't got her a gift yet. Any unique/one-of-a-kind/special/affordable/sweet suggestions?

Fernando Poe Jr. 1939 - 2004

"Da King" of Philippine movies, I condole with his family and with the Filipino people who love him dearly. LONG LIVE FPJ!

not my usual character BUT...

I was rounding the parking area of a mall here in our place. Sundays really crowd up the area as most people go to malls on weekends. After about ten minutes of looking for a parking space, I chanced upon one car leaving, and the coast is clear. After it left, I slowly moved our car to the parking space it occupied when suddenly out of nowhere there was this car that immediately took the said space and it honked its horn and gave me a devil’s look. I immediately stopped and stared at them, the driver whom I believe is the padre de familia, its passengers who look like a wealthy family. I turned my stirring wheel away from the said parking space but before I completely left, we stared at each other for about ten seconds.

Finally I found one space far away from the malls entrance door and the sweetest revenge that I have been having double-thoughts about happened: I scratched a portion of his car using my keys.

movie time

since i left Manila in August 2002, i missed a total of four Metro Manila Film Festival(s). So, this year, i won't let it pass. What's your bet?

Mano Po 3 Vilma Santos, Christopher de Leon, Eddie Garcia (director: Joel Lamangan)

Aishite Imasu 1942 Raymart Santiago, Judy Ann Santos, Dennis Trillo (director: Joel Lamangan)

Sigaw Angel Locsin, Richard Gutierrez, Jomari Yllana (director: Yam Laranas)

Lastikman Christopher de Leon, Edu Manzano, Sarah Geronimo (director: Mac Alejandre)

Enteng Kabisote Vic Sotto, Alice Dixson, Kristine Hermosa, Michael V. (director: Tony Y. Reyes)

Que Sera Sera Kris Aquino, Eric Quizon (director: Joel Lamangan)

Bulong (Spirit of the Glass) Rica Peralejo, Dingdong Dantes, Marvin Agustin, Alessandra de Rossi (director: Jose Javier Reyes)

"tangkilikin ang pelikulang Pilipino... nood na!"

kahapon

...muli akong nakalabas ng bahay. ang ibig kong sabihin ay para pumunta sa isang panayam sa trabaho. sa wakas ay may tumawag din sa akin at bunga ito ng pinuntahan kong job fair sa glorietta, dalawang linggo na ang nakararaan. kung sa bagay, hindi ako gaanong umaasa doon sa mga pinagbigyan ko ng resume ko sa job fair kasi nga ay hinihintay ko yung pangalawang pakikipag-ugnayan sa akin ng taga-NET 25 at doon ko talagang nais na makapaglingkod. Pero dahil sa pangangailangan, minabuti kong tugunan yung tawag sa akin ng inaplayan ko at tumungo nga sa kanilang tanggapan.

marahil sa karaniwan nang palipat-lipat ko ng trabaho, nasanay na ako sa ganitong uri ng estado. habang naghihintay ng interview ay hindi na ako gasinong kinakabahan. muli akong binigyan ng eksamin at tulad ng dati, pinakahuli ay ang walang kamatayang abstract reasoning. pagkatapos nito ay ang unang interview, diretso na ako sa mga pagsagot at hindi na kinailangan pang mag-isip ng sasabihin sa mga itinatanong sa akin. maya-maya, hinikayat ako ng kumakapanayam sa akin na aplayan ang posisyong Account Executive. teka, CSR (Customer Service Representative) yata ang hinahangad ko sa kumpanya. "It's an immediate hiring position," aniya. Tinanong ko ang pagkakaiba noong dalawa kung ang pag-uusapan ay ang job function nila sa kumpanya at tulad ng inaasahan ko, malamang sa marketing at field work ang unang nabanggit. "I'd settle for the CSR post. I feel i'm more suited for the position and doesn't want to risk the marketing thing." ang sabi ko. hah! tunog arogante pero yun ang totoo, ano bang dapat kong sabihin? Alangan namang um-"oo" na lang ako kahit pa kailangang-kailangan ko nang magtrabaho. Sa puntong iyon, humingi sya sa akin ng pahintulot na lumabas sandali sa silid at pagbalik nya ay sinabi nya sa akin na ini-ugnay nya ang desisyon ko sa mas nakatataas (na posisyon) sa kanya at ako ay muling pinababalik para sa ikalawang panayam sa Martes. Eh di, sige.

Bandang hapon, pag-uwi ko ng bahay ay tumawag naman ang matagal nang hindi nagpaparamdam na si Anne--- ang dati kong kasamahan sa SUN Cellular at siyang hiningian ko ng tulong upang makapag-aplay ako sa NLRC. ang pagkakaalam ko, freeze hiring ang gobyerno hanggang sa 2005 na pero ang balitang hatid ni Anne ay iba: lumalakad na raw yung application ko sa tanggapan nila. huwaaaaat???!!! kapag wala, wala talaga pero kapag meron naman, sabay-sabay na namang dumarating.
dito ay naalala ko na naman ang kasabihan: "when it rains it pours." pero syempre, ang lahat ng ito ay kalooban ng nasa itaas. kung ano ang pinakamabuti para sa akin, siya nawa.

"salamat po."

feeling KAPUSO celebrity

here's a copy-paste from igma.tv (my own version):

Name: Edilberto dela Cruz Magat Jr

Nickname: Jon

Birthday: 12.05.1976

Age: 28

Zodiac Sign: Taurus

School: New Era University

Show: MULAWIN! (ako yung ibon sa profile pic sa itaas, hehe)

Single or taken?
taken

Describe yourself in one word:
bato

What’s the last thing you do before you go to bed?
pray

Something about you that you’re proud of:
faithful

Something about you that you would want to change:
my height

Your biggest inspiration:
my faith

Your life goal is:
have a simple living with a family of my own

When you were little, what did you want to be when you grew up?
To be an evangelical minister

What’s your happy thought?
Mississauga with buddies and my BK

What’s your (cellphone) logo?
Jamie's eyes (of Voltes V)


FAVES

Food: Pork Sinigang

Ice cream flavor: Rocky Road

Color: Royal Blue

Book/Magazine: FHM Phils, Filipino publications

Pet: puppy

Song: Aubrey

Movie: ID4

TV show: EB

Actor: Eddie Garcia

Actress: Julia Roberts, Sandra Bullock

Band/Artist: South Border

Gimmick Place: likes of overlooking (Antipolo) or Baywalk (Roxas Blvd)

Resto: fastfood lang, jollibee


FAVES

PICK ONE


Dogs or Cats? Dogs

Morning, Noon or Night? Night

Morena, Meztiza or Chinita? Morena (hi, keng!)

Baguio or Boracay? Baguio

Rainy or Sunny? Sunny

Brewed coffee or a Frap? Brewed

Drama or Comedy? Comedy


LOVE AND THE MUSHY STUFF

Define love in one word: patient...

Define love in one word (again): kind...

Have you ever been in love? yes

What was it like? cool

Are you in love right now? Yes

How do you know when you’re in love? I get mature and young at the same time

Describe the perfect girl for you in one word. faithful (also)

How many times has your heart been broken? don't know

Are you still friends with your exes? i guess, yes

Do you believe in soul mates? Maybe

Do you believe in marriage? Yes

Do you think love is always enough? No

Is flirting considered cheating? No (hi, keng!)

What’s the dumbest thing you did for love? don't know

Who is your biggest crush? karen dimaculangan

What’s the best gift you ever received? the person mentioned above :)

this day

so nice talking to karen again, after two days of being busy with our own businesses. she called earlier around 5am, and i believe i was semi-conscious that time. can't even remember what we talked about. good thing she called again at a "better" time. hehehe... oh well.

i was about to get my NBI clearance when i found out that my O.R. was missing! I really hate it when somebody "cleans up" my things in my room and then doesn't even care to inform me about it. and in the end, it is still MY fault. geez...

i'm still browsing on Manila Bulletin's Classifieds yeasterday and hoping to find a job that'll fit my preferences. i swear i'm so picky. i hope to land in a good-compensating company *crosses-fingers*. (note: in my vocabulary, compensation doesn't only refer to money)
Anyway, i was looking for a company information about a certain PPPI Financial Management Firm. Twice already it has emailed me offering a job interview but this time, i was curious to inquire about it before confirming and actually going to the interview. My gut feeling tells me to "investigate" first before involving myself to it. And a thread in PEx has confirmed my gut feel about this... err, institution (or firm as its name suggests). Bottomline is, i'll junk its email.

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It has been quite a while since i last ate a and while waiting in line for my turn to order, i caught the conversation of the day:

guy: (approaching the counter) "Miss, pengeng ketchup."

lady (store supervisor): (displaying a very "busy mode") "Ay sir dun na lang po sa side. Andun po yung mga ketchup." (then right away left the counter)

guy, in disgust and murmured to himself: "tsk. dun pa ang layu-layo, andami-daming tao ang hirap kumuha. di kaya pwedeng sya na?"

counter lady (in my line) finally took my order but was interrupted by the same guy--

guy: "miss pengeng ketchup"

counter lady (without batting an eyelash): "Sir dun po sa gilid ang condiments namin." then left the counter to get my order.

guy, looked at the condiments section which is about 6 yards away from the counter, looks at the long line of customers obstructing his way to it, then scratches head and headed back to his table instead.

i grinned secretly after that incident.

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Plugging:
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Every morning veteran commentator Ka Totoy Talastas sheds light on the pressing issues shaking the nation. Liwanagin Natin is also simulcast over DZEC and may be listened to through streaming media on the Internet.

SHOWTIMES : Mondays to Fridays @ 8:30 am - 10:00 am.

Feed Your Mind.

The Lighter Side Of A Natural Calamity

I always believe in the Filipino people. Amidst the negative things that have been said towards the country and its people, the country continues to stand up from its downfalls. UNITY--- which is almost impossible to see during the country's "good" times, appears like magic during these hard times.

Who among the citizens of any country in this world are as silent, brave, and compassionate as the Filipinos? In good times and bad times, Filipinos display a cheerful and positive attitude towards anything. Filipinos are just simply glad to help each other, as long as he is able, notwithstanding his own fate.
Filipinos manage to smile while his stomach is bursting in anger because of hunger, Filipinos continue to be hospitable just to accommodate his unfortunate fellowmen even if they already crowd up his home, Filipinos extend his hand to a man slowly sinking in mud even if he himself is stepping on the same mud.

Filipinos are known to be prayerful. I would say that this is one factor why the "country is never forsaken." Filipinos endure, and they endure well.

It is useless to blame anyone after seeing the outcome of the typhoon's wrath. No outsider has the right to point to our government, or to any of us in this country, and put blame on what happened. It's nature's call. And with that, we learn from it. On how we perceive this learning, its up to us. Don't tell us that we are a corrupt country. We all know there is corruption. But it doesn't happen only in the Philippines. So stop being wise on our behalf.

If you do not like us, we do not like you either.

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Now I would like to apologize for sounding a bit furious on the latter part of the post above. I just hate people who think superior over other people. We're all human here and we share one world. How can we make this a better place to live in if these people think that they are the only ones who have the right to breathe oxygen on earth?

related link: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/talking_point/4065255.stm

typhoon

Just as typhoon Winnie left a disaster, particularly in the province of Quezon, another "super typhoon" is entering Philippine area of responsibility. as quoted:



Severe Weather Bulletin Number ONE
Typhoon Cyclone Warning: Typhoon "YOYONG" {NANMADOL}
Issued at 5:00 a.m., Wednesday, 01 December 2004 The typhoon over the Caroline Islands has entered the Area of Responsibility and was named "YOYONG".
Location of Center:
(as of 4:00 a.m.) 960 kms east of Guiuan, Eastern Samar
Coordinates: 10.8°N 134.5°E
Strength: strongest sustained winds of 150 kph near the center
gustiness of up to 185 kph
Movement: west northwest at 35 kph

Forecast Positions / Outlook: Thursday morning:
340 kms northeast of Guiuan, Eastern Samar
Friday morning:
80 kms northeast of Infanta, Quezon
Saturday morning:
280 kms west northwest of Dagupan City

Areas Having Public Storm Warning Signal
PSWS #
Signal No. 1
(30-60 kph winds)
LUZON:
Aurora
Quezon
Polillo Island
Camarines Provinces
Albay
Sorsogon
Catanduanes

VISAYAS:
Northern Samar
Eastern Samar

MINADANAO:
None

Residents in low-lying areas and near mountain slopes are advised to ber alert against possible flash floods and landslides.

Source: http://www.pagasa.dost.gov.ph as of December 01, 2004, 9:00am, Manila Time

good present

...courtesy of my mom:



album includes Brown Hand Smash, The Show, Playa, Wish You Were Here, Better Man, Too Crazy, Wherever you Are, Best That I Can, Rainbow, Usahay, Rainbow (remix), & Get Ready.

thanks, mom!

dates

Nov 20 - PEx tiangge sa UP Balay Kalinaw. umulan. may tao pero konti. masarap yung manga-kasuy na pastry. malakas ang ulan, tumuloy ako sa birthday ng pamangkin ko (sa pinsan) na ipinagdiwang sa Burger King. syempre, na-miss ko si BK. :(

Nov 21 - umuwi kami ng Pampanga para sa ika-? kaarawan ng lola ko. medyo bad trip si itay dahil tanghali na kami nakaalis mula sa Cainta. walang kibuan papunta sa Pampanga kaya pinaspasan ko na lang ang pagmamaneho. Tumuloy kami sa Angeles at doon nananghali. Pagkatapos, umikot sa Clark Air Base. Umuwi na. Pagdating sa Cainta, tumuloy ako sa ensayo ng mga awit para sa pasalamat.

Nov 24 - nagpunta ako sa job fair sa Glorietta. naghanda ako ng tatlong resume pero sa dalawa lang na kumpanya ako nagpasa. boring, kaya umuwi agad kami (nina Bongertz) dahil tutupad pa ako.

Nov 25 - transport strike. sa suliraning namamagitan sa gobyerno at transport groups, publiko at commuters ang biktima. wala na bang iba?

Nov 27 - kasal ng pinsan ko sa Pampanga (hindi ako makakadalo); klase ng mga guro para sa Pasalamat (hindi raw ako kasali); may ikakasal sa lokal (tutupad ako). inaasahan ko na maaawit namin yung With This Heart at syempre, mami-miss ko na naman si BK. theme song yata namin yun. :(

Nov 29 - pupuntang Laguna ang inay at itay, sa imbitasyon na rin ng uncle ko; at, may aktibidad ang KADIWA't binhi sa araw ding iyon. Hindi ko pa alam kung alin ang pupuntahan ko.

gusto kong kumain ng food for the gods.

Rainbow

Fallin' out, fallin' in
Nothings sure in this world, no no
Breaking down, breaking in
Never knowing what lies ahead
We can really never tell it all, no no

Say goodbye, say hello
To a lover or friend
Sometimes we could never understand
Why some things begin with just love
We can never have it all
No no no ohh

But oh, can't you see
That no matter what happens
Life goes on and on
And so baby just smile
Cause I'm always around you
And I'll make you see
How beautiful life is
For you and me

Take a little time baby
See the butterfly's colors
Listen to the birds
That were sent to sing
For me and you
Can you feel me?
This is such a wonderful place to me

Even if there is pain now
Everything will be alright
For as long as the world still turns
There will be night and day
Can you hear me?
There's a rainbow always
After the rain

Hittin' high, hittin' low
Win or lose, you should go
Yeah yeah
Getting warm, getting cold
Weather can be so good or bad
But baby, this is life so don't get mad
No no no

Cause ohhh
Can't you see
That no matter what happens
Life goes on and on
And so, baby, just smile
Cause I'm always around you
And I'll make you see
How beautiful life is
For you and me

Take a little time, baby
See the butterfly's colors
Listen to the birds
That were sent to sing
For me and you
Can you feel me?
This is such a wonderful place to me

Even if there is pain now
Everything will be alright
For as long as the world still turns
There will be night and day
Can you hear me ?
There's a rainbow always
After the rain

Life's full of challenges
Not all the time
We get what we want
But don't despair, my dear
You'll take it each trial
And you'll make it through the storm
Cause youre strong
My faith in you is clear
So I say once again
This world's beautiful
Let us celebrate life
That is so beautiful
So beautiful...

Take a little time, baby
See the butterfly's colors
Listen to the birds that were sent
To sing for me and you
Can you feel me?
This is such a wonderful place to me

Even if there is pain now
Everything will be alright
For as long as the world still turns
There will be night and day
Can you hear me?
There's a rainbow always
After the rain

by: South Border

movie

i wanna watch Spongebob Squarepants the movie.

i miss my niece, Ria. We used to watch its TV show together everyday when she arrives from school, or after i fetch her from the bus stop.

"Who lives in a pineapple under the sea?..."

random entries

PEx tiangge tomorrow.

Here's a list of the magazines (back issues) that i'll be selling tomorrow:

FHM Phils
Apr 2000 (issue) - Sunshine Cruz (on cover)
May 2000 - J. Lo
July 2000 - Vanessa del Bianco
May 2001 - Rica Peralejo
Aug 2001 - Donita Rose
Oct 2001 - J. Lo
Nov 2001 - Nina Ricci Alagao
Dec 2001 - Dina Bonnevie
Jan-Feb 2002 - Jackie Forster & Joanne Quintas
May 2002 - Joyce Jimenez
Oct 2002 - Maricar de Mesa

i hope to raise a few hundreds out of these back issues, if they aren't sold, well i'll take 'em back and put it in my book/mag shelf.

with regards to reading materials, my interest has already evolved from Archie's Digests, to FHM Philippines, and now into socio-political Filipino publications. well, i guess i'm indeed "getting old"--- or rather, getting matured to be exact.

On premonitions

The other night, some friends and i were talking about the fate of Prana Escalante who climbed up Mt. Halcon (Oriental Mindoro) some weeks ago. It may be a bit late to discuss the issue but one of my friends was a schoolmate and a friend of the late Prana. She's even asking our opinion if she's to retain Prana in her friendster list cuz what happened to Prana really scared her.
Our friend was confirming to us that Prana indeed sent them her hand photo thru her mobile phone before following the group in climbing up the mountain. Then, this led us to tell other premonition stories. Some say that when a family member bids farewell to his/her loved ones from home going to work or school with an unusual "goodbyes", they will come to realize that after things happen.

Personally, i really can't understand how premonitions work. I know its concept, yes, but as far as i'm concerned, premonition or without premonition, if it is your time to die, then it is your time to die.

Time

the year is almost at its end. what is in store for me on the coming year?

Things i miss...

1. working. its almost two years since i had a "formal" job. i wouldn't say that a year spent in staying at Mississauga is a waste, because it has directed me to my 'future'. Only thing is, i have to wait. and "wait" became my magic word. Its funny though, whenever i'm jobless, i always crave for it but when i'm there, i always ask for a vacation. just shows you how unsatisfied one can be with his present life--- he always asks for something else.

2. income. Parallel to working is having my own source of income. i do save, help out, spend and enjoy my money that i can call my "own".

3. going out on an eight to five basis. although i easily get bored on something, i love routine. it makes my life pace constant and peaceful. also, it makes things predictable which enables me to adjust well to situations.

4. being "busy". i used to ask my friend to book an appointment with me at least a week before. and i like the days passing by without me noticing it.

5. life after work. going out with colleagues and some friends after a hard days work is relaxing... and being missed.

6. being a "santa" to those in need. This is not about Christmas. Its about extending "something" to those in need. Of course i can only do this when i myself don't feel a "burden" in me.

7. counselor. if i were to take a second degree, it will be BS Psychology major in counselling. since childhood days, i have learned to reach out and serve as an ear to close friends who seek a person to listen with their problems. i just miss it...

Let's Go, RAPTORS!

canadians see a brighter season for the Toronto Raptors.

hindi ako marunong magtungayaw

ang kagandahan ng umaga ko ay medyo sinira ng ilang punyemas na tao sa munisipyo ng Taytay, kung saan ipinasya kong kumuha ng NBI clearance.
Bago dito, nanggaling na ako sa tanggapan ng NBI sa Quezon City Hall kung saan agaran ko ring makukuha ang clearance. Pero hindi ko kayang pumila. Magulo, mainit at nakakunot halos ang mga noo ng mga nagsisilbi sa tanggapan. Kaya nagtungo ako sa satellite station nila dito sa Taytay sa pag-asang mas kakaunti ang tao na kukuha ng clearance. Hindi naman ako nagkamali. Walang mahabang pila. Kaya sa harap ng kawnter ay binasa ko ang mga kailangan. Umakyat ako sa loob ng munisipyo at kumuha ng bagong sedula. Pagkatapos kong punan ang isang kapirasong papel na naglalaman ng ilang impormasyon para sa sedula, may isang lecheng ale na sumingit sa akin. Mabuti na lamang, hindi kinuha nung empleyado ang papel nya at sinabihan siyang pumila. Tinignan ko sya nang parang nanunuya.

Pagkatapos nito, nagpakuha ako ng 2X2 litrato at pumila sa unang kawnter upang magbayad na sa kahera ng NBI. Pagkatapos ng sinusundan ko, isa na namang bwisit na ale ang biglang sumingit at inilusot ang nguso sa kawnter: "Miss, magbabayad ng NBI", ang sabi nya. Hindi ko natiis ang kabastusang ito: "Excuse me ho, nakapila kasi kami. Pakitignan naman yung pila bago kayo sumingit." Nakita ko siyang sumulyap sa likuran ko at ang apat na taong nakapila ay nakasimangot lahat sa kaniya. Sa madaling sabi, napahiya siya.

Pagkatapos kong punan ang NBI Card, pumila na ako para sa finger-printing. Ilang saglit lang, humahangos papunta sa pila ang isang buwakanang inang kano. Galit siya dahil hindi nya maintindihan kung bakit yung kasama niya (na isang matandang babae) ay hindi nabigyan ng clearance sa petsang ito na itinakda. Ang siste, may kapangalan si manang at may kaso yung kapangalan niya. Dahil dito, kinailangan na siya ay tumungo sa Quality Control (sa may Carriedo raw) upang makapanayam at doon maibigay ang clearance. Hindi nasiyahan ang umutang ng inang kano. "FUCK!", ang sigaw nya. "Let me talk to them. Open the door!" ang nag-uumigting nyang sigaw habang nasa harapan ng pila namin. "Its locked", sabi ni manang. "Knock! and open it!!", sigaw naman ni puti.

Pagkabukas ng pintuan, halos walang gustong kumausap sa kano. Tatlong babae na busy sa kawnter ang nandoon at isang lalaki na siyang namamahala sa finger-printing. Takot magpaliwanag sa wikang Ingles ang mga nasa loob ng opisina. Kami namang nakapila ay nakatingin sa mangyayari. Pumasok si puti sa loob at nagsisisigaw doon: "What the fuck is wrong here?!!", habang tangan ang resibo ni manang. Isang lalaki ang nagpaliwanag, nang buo niyang makakaya. Habang nagdidiskusyon sila sa loob, tinanong ko si manang na nasa tabi ng pintuan, "Kaano-ano nyo po ba siya?" "Ah, eh, siya kase ang tumutulong sa akin. Pinagpapasa-pasa kase tayo dito, sa kanila, hindi siya sanay ng ganung sistema", ang sagot niya. Nagtanong pa ulit ako, "First time po ba kayong nag-apply ng NBI Clearance?" "Pangatlo na 'to", ang sagot niya. Nagbigay ako ng mungkahi, "Sa susunod po, mag-renew na lang kayo sa Megamall, kailangan nyo lang yung old copy nyo, mas mabilis at wala nang aberyang tulad nito. Ayaw pong paawat nung kasama nyo, naaantala po kami lahat na nakapila." Medyo nahiya si manang, tinawag si puti na ayaw pa ring paawat "FUCK this. Why do we have to go there? Can't you just fuckin' call them and release the damn thing here?", ang nanggagalaiting sigaw pa rin ni puti. Si manang, "No, I'll take care of that, I know that in Quiapo, Just come out here now."

Sa wakas ay sumuko si kano. Lumabas na ng silid at ang sama ng tingin sa aming lahat na nakapila. Nang madaanan nya ako ng tingin, tumitig din ako sa kanya hanggang sa makalayo siya na punung-puno pa rin ng 4-letter words ang bunganga niya. Pagkalayo, bumulong ang isang babae sa pila namin, "Go home where you are, this is not your country." At yung isa namang lalaki sa pila ang sabi, "Akala mo kung sino... naatraso na tayong lahat dito ah. kundi lang siya malaki, inupakan ko na yun eh!"

Naisip ko tuloy, ganito ba ang kalagayan ng mga Pilipino sa sarili nilang bayan? Maaaring sigaw-sigawan ng isang dayuhan, manahimik kapag dayuhan na ang nagsasalita at hindi man lang pumalag kapag sa tingin niya ay mali na ang ginagawa nito? Pautang, ina. Ang lungkot naman.

ukol sa mga aklat

mula nang makabalik ako mula sa halos isang taong pamamalagi sa lunsod ng Mississauga, hinangad kong maging palabasa. Ito marahil ang kulang sa aking sarili, bilang isang nagtapos ng kursong Mass Communication sa Pamantasan ng New Era sa Quezon City. Dahil dito, nagsimula akong pumunta sa paborito kong tambayan, ang National Bookstore, at panaka-nakang dumadalaw din sa mga sangay ng Power Books sa may Makati at SM Megamall.

Naakit ako sa mga aklat na isinulat ni Bob Ong, sa mga tema nitong makabayan at realidad ukol sa mga bagay na may kinalaman sa pagiging Pilipino. Dahil dito, una akong bumili ng kanyang aklat, ang Bakit Baliktad Magbasa ng Libro Ang Mga Pilipino? Subali't ito ay nahiram ng kung sino at hindi na nagmagandang-loob na isauli ito sa akin. Pagkatapos nito, bumili naman ako ng mas nauna pa niyang aklat, ang abnkkbsnplako?! na siya kong kinagiliwan at naibalik sa ala-ala ko ang pagiging buhay-estudyante. Target ko ngayong mabili ang ikatlo niyang aklat, ang Ang Paboritong Libro ni Hudas.

Kasabay ng pagkuha ko ng unang aklat ni Bob Ong, naakit din akong kunin ang isang aklat-karanasan ni Carlos Bulosan, Nasa Puso Ang Amerika, na isinalin sa Filipino nina Carolina at Paula Malay mula sa orihinal na America Is In The Heart. Magandang malaman ang naging karanasan ni Bulosan sa America. Dahil dito, lalo yatang umaalab ang damdamin ko para pagbuklurin ang mga Pilipino. Sa paanong paraan, hindi ko alam.

Pinakahuling aklat na binili ko para sa akin ay ang 20 Speeches That Moved A Nation na pinili at pinagsama-sama ni Manuel L. Quezon III sa isang aklat.

Gusto kong ungkatin ang kasaysayan ng Pilipinas, kung bakit nasa ganitong kalagayan siya ngayon. Halos lumagpak na mas malalim pa sa lupa, at halos gustong makipagsabayan sa isang submarino na nananatili sa kailaliman ng dagat sa pagsisid at tila hirap nang umahon pa.

Gusto kong malaman ang kalagayan ng Pilipinas noong panahon ng mga naunang pangulo ng bansa, at ano ang naging partisipasyon ng mga mamamayan bilang isang Pilipino. Dahil dito, ilang aklat pa ang nais ko sanang magkaroon ako ng kopya. mga nauuna sa listahan ko ay: ...So Help Us God na ang may akda ay sina J. Eduardo Malaya at Jonathan E. Malaya; America's Boy ni James Hamilton-Paterson. Sa dalawang nabanggit, pinakagusto ko ay yung huli, sapagkat ito ay ukol kay Pangulong Ferdinand E. Marcos. Marahil, marami sa Pilipino ang may ayaw sa kanya at ang henerasyon ngayon ay tuluyan nang nabulag ng maka-isang panig na opinyon ukol sa pamamahala ni Marcos, pero naniniwala akong dapat pa rin nating makita ang dalawang panig ng buong kwento. Sa palagay ko kase, isang katulad ni Ferdinand Marcos ang kailangan ng bansa NGAYON para muling maiangat ang Pilipinas sa kanyang pagkakalugmok, sa lahat ng aspeto.

US Election Results

SUCK and STINK.

GO FOR PEACE, NOT WAR!

stories a few days ago

Saturday (and days before that), i was busy attending to our locale choir in preparation for the performance that day in Antipolo Gym. Good thing i was able to borrow a costume for the 28 members i had, and they looked good on stage, with the stage lights on.


photo taken after their performance, with Bro. Jun Ibañez & Sister Cynthia.

The day after, my dad, mom & i went up to Baguio and spent a night there to be together and take advantage of the long weekend. We pulled over at the popular Lions Head monument to have some poses with the camera. Four times i have been to Baguio and it was the first time i had a good shot of the head:



after checking in at Hotel Veniz, we strolled around the downtown. We decided to dine in a fastfood chain in the new SM City and at the same time see the new mall there.
Typical among Filipinos, these malls never fail to attract people even if you are already in a place where tourist spots are everywhere. It just amazes me to know how Filipinos really love malls.

Monday morning, we prepared to stroll around the city. My dad wanted to check the development in Camp John Hay so we drove along the roads going to it, but we got lost. Instead, we went up to Mines View Park and there i bought some pasalubong for church buddies and of course, for keng and her family. Yep, i got 'em all a present each: Keng, ate le-an, kuya j, may, Bro Izrael & Sister Clariza. And i'm waiting for my good buddies and bosses Noriel & Charlie to come home here so we can go up to Baguio again. Here's a nice morning view of Mines View which i took while a few people were in the overlooking site:


Anyway after going down from Mines View Park, my dad wouldn't surrender in looking for the way going to Camp John Hay. We found the road and the place, but we entered in a new entrance gate. Maybe its the reason why we didn't right away see where it is. The Camp is under renovation. There is a very nice house in there just near (overlooking) the golf course. We had some souvenir photo of it (its in the other camera so i wasn't able to upload it here). How i wish to own one of those in a similar place as where it is. yea, I WISH.

Before lunch we went down and proceeded to my lolo and lola's place in Pampanga. We brought them some vegetables that we bought from Baguio. And now, i have a deliciously-cooked chop suey to finish at home. anyone wants a dish?

fill in the blanks

i copied this from Paolo's blog. Like him, i would appreciate feedbacks from anyone. :)

I ____ Jon.
Jon is ____.
If I were alone in a room with Jon, I would _______.
I think Jon should _____.
Jon needs ______.
I want to ____________ Jon.
Someday Jon will ________.
Jon reminds me of _______.
Without Jon _______.
Memories of Jon are ________.
Jon can be __________.
__________ is how I describe meeting Jon.
Worst thing about Jon is _________.
Best thing about Jon is _________.
I am ________ Jon.

convenience of a 6610i unit

after learning to love Mister Donut more than Dunkin Donuts, i decided to come back to the latter shop and treat myself with the usual things i order there: 1 tuna bunwich, 1 nutty chocolate, 2 strawberry filled munchkins and a cup of OJ. brings back the ol' days when my bestfriend and i used to dine in there everytime we meet up before going to school.

this one was the scenario when i was on my way to Diliman this morning. first thing i noticed after sitting on the bus were the political-campaign stickers. not very clear on the photo is Ping Lacson's campaign sticker (far left above) which reads: Durugin ang K4: Kahirapan, Kriminalidad, Korupsyon, Katiwalian. Now most Filipinos are aware that K4 is president GMA's party. that caught my attention. hehe.
but the best part of the photo is the vandalised Jinggoy Estrada for senator sticker, it reads: UNGGOY Estrada for Senator.

Now, in front of the bus is a beautiful vehicle (sorry i'm not good in identifying car brands and model) which immediately blocked our way after the bus which i am riding bumped it by swerving on East Avenue, in front of SSS Office. the bus refunded our fare one by one so i got my 9 pesos back and decided to just ride a jeepney going to central. that made my fare only 5.50 from cubao to Central avenue.

Anyway, it has been a regular "skill" of Filipino drivers to swerve on the road every now and then. if you do not do that, you're not a certified pinoy tsuper.

family ties

sundays have never been so pleasant for me until my come back last August. aside from the usual church activities i attend to, sundays are now alotted as a "family day". i get to spend more time with my mom and dad. we go out at least once a week during this day and happily look forward to another week.

i have never realized how joyful it is to spend time with your parents even at least once a week. and the joy that you see in them when you're together. i know time will come that we will be separated from each other, so its best to spend time with them NOW while there is still an opportunity.

as the lyrics of Jose Mari Chan's song goes...
"...there's no rewinding, no replay
the chance you lose today will be gone, when it's gone...
make these moments last right now."

Wednesday stories

i am very eager to be productive today, so as early as 630am, i left the house with my mom. she headed to her office while i proceeded to have my medical exam at the New Era General Hospital. But before that, i managed to utter a short prayer at the Central Sanctuary. then i took three shots of the Central Temple using my Nokia 6610i. Now i have a very nice wallpaper.

I need to go back tomorrow to get the result of my x-ray then complete the medical exam at the same hospital.

my stomach felt hunger afterwards so i grabbed a breakfast meal at McDonalds, Tandang Sora and sat beside the table of Sister Ligaya Quinitio.

then i rode an Ayala bus and got off in front of Philam Life. i walked along ayala avenue to look for RCBC Tower where the Canadian Embassy is located. Then upon seeing it, i recalled that it was where we shot the very first TV ad of SUN Cellular.

i entered tower two after the security guard made a body check, and i was informed by the receptionist to come back EARLY tomorrow for inquiries. he said they allow only the first 50 clients to inquire in the embassy and they let them in as early as 7am. wow. good luck to me.

Bottomline: I'm off to the streets again EARLY tomorrow.

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SIDENOTES

walking along the streets of Cubao-Aurora, i decided to use the EDSA-Aurora foot bridge which the MMDA had set-up not only there but all over the metropolis, instead of crossing at the Goldilocks/Aurora side. I am a supporter of BF's programs (though i don't use the pink urinals, hehe) for the improvement of Metro Manila. I have seen how he has done miracles for Marikina and with the people's support and unity with the government's programs, things will happen for the better.
The foot bridge is clean and i saw an MMDA personnel maintaining it.

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Some people are simply too lazy. the MMDA has segregated the loading/unloading zones in front of Farmers Plaza but passengers still wait for their bus (of destination) anywhere they want. In front of the Bulacan pick-up zone, a Fairview bus was loading passengers. i don't know what's wrong with these people. they simply ignore orderliness and they are the first ones to complain.

-----

i didn't like the taste of Mirinda Apple. It's like a soft beer. or is it just my taste buds?

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TABLOID HEADLINE OF THE DAY: "text ng text, nasagasaan ng tren, tigok!"
(read while i was passing a newspaper/tabloid stand in Aurora Boulevard, Cubao)

call center experience

a lot of things have happened in my training in a call center and last saturday, i had the first taste of calling foreign customers. I think i had enough. time to move on and do what i really like.

week-end for the LORD

"To man belong the plans of the heart,
but from the LORD comes the reply of the tongue.

Commit to the LORD whatever you do,
and your plans will succeed.

In his heart a man plans his course,
but the LORD determines his steps."
(Proverbs 16:1, 3, 9)

I am very much touched by the lesson yesterday in the worship service. It hit me good and reminded me to strengthen my faith in God.

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Speaking of the worship service, Senator Mike Defensor attended the 645am service in our locale. i had a photo with him, together with the minister who officiated the service, Bro. Lowell Menorca.

Still about the services, the 445pm service was officiated by Bro. Dennis Dacion. I didn't recognize him. We both performed on the same service for almost 45 minutes but i only came to recognize him after, when his wife, Ate Em, called me outside the house of worship. Bro. Dennis was the worker assigned when we started planning out the locale we have now.

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We started practising for the upcoming Musical GEM (Grand Evangelical Mission) and i can say that i'm looking forward to the fruits of our hard labor. We're time pressured but i believe thru the help of the Father, we will be able to do it all for the glory of Him!

a jeepney story

passenger 1: boss, yung sukli ko sa sais
driver: (ignores)

passenger 1: YUNG SUKLI KO HO SA SAIS!
driver: (looks at the rearview mirror then keeps on driving)

passenger 1: (whisphers) **** ina nito ah.

passenger 2: mama, bayad oh. (hands in 5.50pesos)

driver extends hand to get the fare;
passenger 1 reaches out, gets the coins from passenger 2 and sorts it out.

driver looks at the rear view mirror, still extending his hand.
passenger 1 gets 50cents, and gives the five pesos to the driver:

passenger 1: kinuha ko na sukli ko!

GY shift welcome

my 2nd day working on a graveyard shift was greeted by an earthquake. and our office had to be on the 31st floor of one of the buildings in Ortigas Center. my thighs still ache after going down the stairs.

another info on the October 8 earthquake.

Yesterday, i was finally able to visit Baywalk, Roxas Boulevard together with my mom and dad. It was a year ago since i heard of the improvement in the area through the efforts of Manila's local government. And it is nice. I could take Karen there when she gets home here in Manila.
My last memory of the place (prior to last night) was during our shooting days way back in college. The production we made won me the Best Cinematographer award and i can't simply forget the shots we took at the same bay area--- sunset to night time.

judgement day

i'm talking about work. it's our final exams today and our batch decided to wear black. the ten of us did, and it projected a nice impact. i don't know how our trainor looks at it. but i don't care. as i post this, its lunch break and it is MY turn on the phone after lunch. that's 1pm sharp. how do i feel? hmm... well, its work, and its just work.

keng failed to connect with my mobile number this morning. i was expecting her call and she did try dialing but no connection was made. talk about long distance barriers. anyway, i'm glad that mom lend me her mobile phone so i can at least text her and let her know that i'm still alive and thinking of her. she just loaded on her cell phone but bad news is, it's my turn to get barred with my outgoing mobile transactions. sucks.

financial dilemma

sheesh... i have exceeded (for the nth time) my credit limit. that explains why i can't text AND call using my mobile phone--- it's barred! sheeeesh...

our allowances will NOT be given until Friday and my savings account is below its maintaining balance. and another hundred and ten bucks will be deducted in it by the end of the month as service charge.

ez-oh-ez!!!

nice, nice weather TODAY

i'm talking about Mississauga. it's mainly sunny, and a high of 16 degrees Celsius.

a week has passed...

TGIF! its lunch break. we just had our 2nd written exam this morning, and has started with our verbal exam. my turn will be this afternoon. *tremble* oh well, things have to happen.

i texted keng this morning hoping she'll feel better when she wakes up tonight. all i have is a couple of pictures of her in my wallet, and the text messages i receive from her everyday. i'd like to be with her again... soonest.

it's Oktoberfest season and my colleagues are going to drink it out later after the training. I'll be meeting up with Kuya Caloy, aka PaulDamascus at SM North EDSA later... good way to escape drinking beer. hehehe...

advanced happy birthday to my good friend (and our church organist) Bongertz on Saturday, October 3.

i miss keng... :(

...and i really do.

anyway, just had my first day of training with a call center company that is based here in Ortigas Center, and i need to study when i get home since we'll be having our first exam tomorrow. oh geez... and it's all about memorization. *eek*

earlier today, i called karen, Alice and my sister. i kinda miss them all... Mississauga, my two buddies, Noriel & Charlie, fall and winter (although i hate winter), the things i did a year ago there. sheesh... i'm feeling sad. i wanna go back there and be with them.

judy's going back there on the 2nd of october, donna will follow on the 14th. when will be my schedule?? oh please... i wanna go back there.

I'm Jobless No More

yep, and this is for us, keng.
praise be to the Father!

Passing Time On A Monday

early today, i made a phone call to my friend & former colleague, Anne, to reassure if my job application in NLRC has really been frozen for good. "Cost-cutting po ang government kaya freeze hiring lahat, kahit sa Congress." with that statement, i thought i was hearing the voice of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. well, at least one thing got clear to me this day--- pursue job hunting with private companies. (call center with favorable shifts, included)

i craved for a conversation an hour later, so i went to my former colleague in SUN Cellular-Robinsons Big R and once again, i got some worth-hearing news & updates regarding the companys present status, as well as its employees.

i contacted my mom after a few hours and asked her to stroll along the other mall, Sta. Lucia East Grand Mall. Then we decided to watch a movie. Since my mom falls asleep watching foreign films, and since i have watched almost all good foreign films anyway, we agreed on one movie left among the choices--- Feng Shui. I feel funny coz i have been staying away from a Kris Aquino horror-type film coz based on her past performances many, many times, her horror flicks turn out to be comedy. But this one is different. I even believe that Feng Shui is more scary than Exorcist: The Beginning.

A Sunday Story

being able to perform my church duties on an early sunday morning has always been a perfect thing to start any sunday. after performing, my dad and i had our van cleaned in the nearby car wash. while waiting, i treated myself a Bart burger and a can of Pepsi at Burger Machine. i asked my dad if he wanted to have a snack too but he told me he was saving his appetite for lunch.

and so we ate a hearty meal during lunch. my mom cooked nilagang baka then the three of us took a nice nap afterwards. I woke up smiling, feeling good. I had a glimpse of keng during my mid-afternoon dream. i felt something different upon opening my eyes from the nap i had. so i offered a prayer of thanks to Him.

we got ready by three in the afternoon and headed to Robinsons Galleria Department Store to get my nephew a couple of pants which his mom requested us to get for him. then we watched Steven Spielberg's The Terminal starring Tom Hanks. I liked the movie. It's full of hearts.

we had dinner together and last stop was in a video store. we always think of buying Filipino VCDs to be given to my sister. we just got a good promo: buy one take one. so i grabbed It Could Happen To You starring Nicolas Cage and Bridget Fonda; and guess what...? well, click here.

ken yu plis pas da binigar!

net surfing

i've been having headaches with my internet connection at home so i am again forced to rent net access here at netopia. i need to check (at least) my email everyday coz of my job applications online.

anyway, some annoying "kids", some as young as high school years, playing warcraft (network) games are not having second thoughts in 'expressing' their emotions... p*tang ina nyan o... patay na! ay, p*uta! g*go talaga!! *sigh* where have their values gone?

i'm financially doomed! my savings account is in the verge of bankruptcy and last time i checked my cell phone bill, its 200 short to 4K. if my cell phone will be disconnected because of unpayment, that means no overseas texting and no overseas call. i hope the right job for me comes soon.

haPpY 8 mOnThs 2 Us! God bless!

i had a long day yesterday. Bong and i were scheduled to go to a supposed job fair in SM Megamall and Gary went with us. upon arriving at the mall, the job fair was nowhere to be found. and so, we decided to drop our resume in the job market office of PDI instead. then, after meeting up with joy and a friend she just knew for an hour, we took our lunch at the food court then proceeded to Robinsons Galleria to go to the HR dept of SUN Cellular... yep, you heard it right--- SUN Cellular. Gary, Bong & Joy dropped off their resume at the HR and I decided to just wait for them at the mall. then we went to Convergys because Joy & Bong wanted to apply. i might as well see Joseph, i thought so i went with them upstairs to the HR department. after waiting for some minutes, we were told to proceed with the initial interview. even before the interview was done, i told the interviewer about my former application and the pending agreement with joseph so after verifying the schedules, i excused myself from the interview. i waited for joy & bong for them to finish with their initial interview and fortunately for Bong, he passed.
we then met Gary at the mall and took a snack at Dunkin Donuts. i ordered their promo number two (a piece of sugar-raised or honey-dipped donut with a cup of coffee for P28) and i asked for an extra creamer. surprisingly, the lady didn't charge me for the extra creamer, which the Dunkin Donuts management usually does.

after eating, we decided to go home as we still have to pick Chaddy up from Libis. getting off from the van i was driving, Chaddy and i remained in it while talking about the plans we have for her mom's bday. then we chatted about what was happening to her since i was gone. (Chaddy is my kinakapatid and her mom is the number one ninang in my list, and their family is my second home) Anyway, we picked my mom up from our house then we went to Chaddy's place for her moms bday surprise snack. we brought pizza and ice cream. during the time, electric power was restored. then we all had a nice, nice chat about things and life.

i was tired. i just had keng to relieve me from my weariness. a text message, much more, an overseas call makes my day. salamat po at maligayang ika-walong buwan sa atin, kahit malayo, maligaya pa rin at taglay ang pag-asa ng muling pagkikita.

today i'm scheduled to meet my bestfriend. he has the Christian Music CD and the musical scores that i need for the upcoming district choir competition. good luck to us!

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to my one and only ate whom i gave the link of this blog just recently, if ever you are reading this, i need to talk to you. GET A PHONE CARD AND CALL ME!

one good day

i am one happy soul today. started off with the performance at church early this morning. upon going home, keng and i had a great, great conversation over the phone. and it didn't finish with just one call. it was followed with another, and still another later this afternoon.

today i also got the installer cd from gary and most of the day was spent downloading Windows 2000 and MS Office applications. The longest download i made was W2000 pack 3 (which is needed for me to download Office apps) and so while waiting for the complete download, i took a nap. upon waking up, the download was still undone so i watched the cheerdance competition of the 67th UAAP season.

Winners:
3rd - FEU Tamaraws
2nd - UP Maroons
1st - UST Tigers (woohoo!!! cheers for the Tigers)


Anyway, after downloading everything i need for this pc to work good, we went to Sta. Lucia Grand Mall--- mom, dad, cousin Faith & i. we treated my cuzz who passed the board exam (i mentioned yesterday in my short entry). we dined in at Pizza Hut, had some groceries and window shopping. We were supposed to watch The Terminal but its showing time is not that ideal so we passed on it.

I'm looking forward to a good week starting off tomorrow by going to a job fair at SM Megamall with our organist, Bong. Goodluck job hunters!

ciao!

quick entry

just wanna congratulate my cousin, Faith, for passing the (recently held) board exam for Medical Technology. Congrats also to Jeff Ramos for passing the same board exam.

had a nice chat with Keng this morning. whenever we converse over the phone, parang walang pacific ocean sa pagitan namin. :)


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freakin' cold allergy...

of life and jobs

I’m starting to feel my life again here although I admit I’m always ready to give it up (again) in exchange for a life in Toronto. I can’t believe this ‘twist’ happened in a span of one year. Seeing my ‘life-would-be’ with my loved ones overseas, I have set my mind to see myself living with them in the future.

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I didn’t believe until last night that Orly is getting married in November. I didn’t want to ask further questions but he offered me to be one of his secondary sponsors and the marriage is to be held in the province of Quezon. Last Sunday, Martin offered his first child in church and it also confirmed my doubts regarding him having a wife, much more, a child. Wow.

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Last Tuesday, it was my second time to visit Congress in two months. Since I still have to go to my aunt’s office in DILG, I took the MRT going to GMA-Kamuning station then took a walk to the building. As I waited for my aunt who took her lunch break, I looked at the person who was standing by the elevator as he extended his hand with the person who just came out of it… ”Good afternoon, vice.” then Bistek appeared.

A few minutes after that, my aunt was preparing my credentials and she made a call to this Congressman who will receive my ‘papers’. After a few endorsements, I braved the heat going to the House of Representatives. I saw a good number of vehicles with posters and placards going the same way as to where I’m going. There’s a scheduled rally. Good timing.
Getting off the tricycle, policemen greeted me at the main gate. They were preparing for the then starting mass protest and the main gate was properly guarded. I didn’t mind much what the rally was all about but I managed to read some of the posters--- ”P3000 across the board ipatupad!” was repeatedly demanded by the posters.

After waiting for an hour inside the Congressman’s office, I was finally interviewed by the Congressman himself. He was too talkative (I can say), or maybe he really just have a lot to say about his partylist. He said he is over-staffed but is considering in hiring a good writer. A writer who will make press statements for the broadsheets. Suits me. I would love the job but was turned off with his demand of work schedule. We partly ‘argued’ on the work schedules but he himself put a stop to the argument. So he let me write something about the church I belong to, anything regarding it. But then he reconsidered the subject. He told me to write about anything I wanted to write. Then he told one of his staff to attend to my composition after I finish it as he was about to attend the session. Instead of writing just one composition, I wrote two--- one about being Filipino, and one about the church.
His wife (like one of his staffs) took my composition after 10 minutes and got my contact numbers. She told me the staff will call me after her husband reviews my credentials and my composition. After hearing this, just one thing entered my mind--- the usual “I’ll call you don’t call us” rejection thing that most HR departments tell the job applicants. But I thank them anyway since I felt I have overstayed in their office already. Walking out of the building, I was thinking of myself working in the House of Representatives, adjusting to new schedules and thinking of a ‘new life’ …if it is meant for me.

------------

If I don’t get the job in Congress, I’ll be pushing my application at NLRC. So I followed up on my application yesterday courtesy of my friend, Anne, but she just told me another negative sign--- ”Uy jon, di ba nag freeze hiring ang government effective second week ng September? Pero ipa-follow-up ko pa rin yung application mo, anyway, sa 15 pa naman ang evaluations ng mga applicants.” whew! Now how does that sound?

I wonder if I’m not meant to work in the government.

photo with a "celebrity"

yes, my dream photo with a "celebrity" has been fulfilled!

after a long silence...

ber month has arrived! Yuletide season approaches and I still have to gather myself together and face life. It’s nice to be back in shape from a flu and the past week had been quite tough. pondering had been my constant supplier of whys while prayers supplied the answers. And I’m sure glad I wasn’t forsaken--- I mean, never.

I’m trying to upload a bunch of pix in my photobucket account in order to have an online document of what I have been getting busy of the past days. So far, I’m still not happy with the way my pc is running, much more my internet access. the worm sasser has been removed, my ISP is connected but still, i get a slow connection and much worse, a Can't Find Page window. oh, how i wish i had taken a course in computer when i was younger. these technicalities would have been helpful now. But anyway, I thank jary for lending me the anti-virus software.

Today started perfectly. I woke up nicely from a night’s sleep, saw how 430am looks like again, performed my choir duties and had a nice chat with the brethren this morning. And I think I will have the time to read the books I have purchased yesterday, Bob Ong’s A B N K K B S N P L Ako, and another one, Nasa Puso Ang Amerika by Carlos Bulosan.

Here’s a picture I uploaded, photo dated August 27, 2004 taken during the reception of Edel & Judy’s wedding at Shangri-la hotel, with mom and dad and of course, the newly weds.

random stories

internet access
renting at netopia, Robinsons Big R. internet access at home has virus. sucks.

weather
flood all over since yesterday brought about by a typhoon. good thing though, rain stopped before noontime yesterday which made the water subside and streets going out of the subdivision were made available.

mobile technology
can't seem to send SMS today. i don't know if lines are congested but it is not amusing. i thought of calling hotline 200 to check what the problem is but as i expected, i got a little to no help at all.
anyway, i was able to call karen this morning. she's worried (or better yet, concerned) about her mom's medical operation. of course, i assured her everything will be ok, as we all are expecting. cheer up, gurL! :)

job
i have declined the third job offer for me in 6 weeks. after saying no to Sykes Asia and Convergys, the third offer i didn't give much interest is the English Tutorial Online post. I should be starting my training this week and formal work should be starting next week but my inner self dictates otherwise. I really feel making use of my civil service eligibility. hence, while still waiting for the congress job i applied for some three weeks ago, i decided to inquire another job opening at the National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC). my good friend Anne assisted me as her mom works there as a commissioner. padrino system is very much alive in the government, although i really don't dig it, all of the government people i know say that you really need it to get a post in the government. that's why, my chance to get hired in the position i applied for in Congress is very slim. well...?

friends
Anne, a good friend & barkada of mine from SUN Cellular, and i met last Tuesday primarily to assist me in NLRC. Next thing we knew, we were chatting memories and updates about our other friends.

Last Monday, Espie & I went to Patio Ibarra to look into the possible reception area for her wedding with my good buddy Charlie. I took photos of the two halls that are available but unfortunately can't find time to upload it since my home internet caught virus. i still have to get the anti-virus CD from jary or i could instead re-format my PC. i hate windows XP. Oh yeah, boss charlez, next week, i hope to upload them and send them to you. ;)

It's judy's wedding tomorrow. maybe i'll have more stories of this on my next blog update. for the meantime, i'm out.

like waves in the ocean...

my life right now seems to identify itself with it. *sigh*

the weekend that was

Friday
As early as 8AM, i was determined to pass my resume to an office in Ortigas where they are needing an English Tutor. The job ad was emailed to me by jary from our yahoogroups.
At around 2PM, off i went to Ortigas Center as the company conducts its interviews and exams between 2 to 5 in the afternoon so i thought, i could use those in-between time in submitting my resume, and at the same time hoping to be interviewed right away. Upon arrival at the 17th floor of the bldg, i was greeted by a not-so-friendly lady's face asking me what my business is in their unit. I told her i got an email regarding their job ad. She told me to have a seat and after 3 minutes, a guy handed me a two-page 'exam' which is to be answered in 30 minutes. The exam consisted 3 parts. First part was about subject-verb agreement, second was proper usage of conjunctions and third, an essay about one's self. It took me less than fifteen minutes to finish everything and some of the time I spared reading the Health magazine which was right there on top of the same table where i took the exam.
Afterwich, i was greeted by Mr. _______ (a Korean, owner of the company) and the same HR person who handed me the exam papers. They asked me questions, which i believe was the interview part of the hiring process. They asked me to do oral reading and after everything, the HR guy told me that they will have the final evaluation on my "qualifications."

I walked to SM Megamall afterwards to meet jary & ivy. we just had a nice chat over dinner and the night ended after jary treated us kofi somewhere along an EDSA-Shaw Cafe, where the air condition system which is supposed to give out cool air seems to have turned into a heater. Anyway, I owe ivy 200 bucks. There. It's documented.

Saturday
stayed at home the whole day while late afternoon until evening saw me performing in church. around 2PM, the HR guy from where i applied last Friday called and he was asking me if I can start working for them on Monday. I said yes. But then he said I have to come to the office at that same day (Saturday) for them to give me the training and other things i need to know. Like, hello?! What happened to scheduling? Bottom line is, I'll be getting my training this coming week, and hopefully start the week after. Well, at least it is planned well. i mean, the schedules, eh?
Before performing in the afternoon, i had a nice hair cut. It's been a long time since I haven't had my hair cut done by Rommel, my suking barbero and i still love how he cuts my hair. He didn't raise his hair cut charge in one year. Its still 50pesos, although, i always give him 70.

Sunday
It's nice driving to the province, with the travel to North Luzon Expressway continuously improves. I just hope that the toll fee won't be too heavy a burden for the motorists come December of this year, as the news forecast regarding this matter. My apo prepared my favorite dish, and i caught a nice nap after lunch. We then headed to the mall to buy the barong tagalog which i will be using in Judy and Edel's wedding on Friday. Right then, Joan called mom and she was inviting us to come over their place for Judy's _th bridal shower. Well, it was like more of a family gathering for the bride and groom to be. Nice to see Jen & Kuya Chito again. They reminded me of our boat cruise in TO, which eventually reminded me again of BK. and yes, i miss BK.

Tomorrow's another day, if Bertrand doesn't call for the training schedule, i will be using the day for my banking transactions (utang) and after office hours, i'm scheduled to accompany Espie to their prospective place of wedding reception--- Patio Ibarra

Multiple Choice: Blog Update

Last update (before this day): Monday
Probable reasons why this blog hasn't been updated frequently these past few days:

a. Nothing new is happening in my life
b. I'm too busy to update my blog
c. I have very limited internet access
d. I'm just too lazy to update my blog
e. None of the above

*just choose one reason. lucky winner will get a surprise from the author. :p

------------

PEx Congo Grille Anniversary EB 2004
(photo courtesy of Ada, posted in PinoyExchange.com)

tough luck

*SLAM*! ...was the sound he heard from the side of his car. he looked at the side mirror to see what hit him but he just saw a broken frame. he pulled over and checked the tricycle driver who also stopped to have a word with him. after checking everything, including his passenger, they shook hands and left each other. but now he's got a problem: he needs to buy a replacement for the broken side mirror, and there's a long scratch that needs re-touching on the driver side of the car.

------------

IF I WERE questions...
(taken from Jheng's blog)

If I were a month I would be:
> |:> DECEMBER

> If I were a day of the week I would be:
> |:> SATURDAY

> If I were a time of day I would be:
> |:> 6AM

> If I were a planet I would be:
> |:> EARTH

> If I were a sea animal I would be:
> |:> DOLPHIN

> If I were a direction I would be:
> I:> EAST

> If I were a liquid I would be:
> |:> WATER

> If I were a tree I would be:
> |:> NARRA

> If I were a bird I would be:
> |:> DOVE

> If I were a flower I would be:
> |:> SAMPAGUITA

> if I were a kind of weather I would be:
> |:> FALL

> If I were a musical instrument, I would be:
> |:> PIANO

> If I were an animal, I would be:
> |:> PUPPY

> If I were a color, I would be:
> |:> ROYAL BLUE

> If I were an emotion, I would be:
> |:> LOVE

> If I were a vegetable, I would be:
> |:> kangkong

> If I were a song, I would be:
> |:> SHE

> If I were a movie, I would be:
> |:> THE TEN COMMANDMENTS

> If I were a book, I would be:
> |:> BIBLE

> If I were a place, I would be:
> |:> HILLTOP OVERSEEING NATURE

> If I were a thing, I would be:
> |:> A WEDDING RING

> If I were a taste, I would be:
> |:> SWEET

> If I were a scent, I would be:
> |:> CITROUS

> If I were a word, I would be:
> |:> HALLELUJAH!

> If I were an object, I would be:
> |:> TIME

> If I were a body part I would be:
> |:> the EYES

> If I were a facial expression I would be:
> |:> CONTENT

> If I were a subject in school I would be:
> |:> THEOLOGY

> If I were a/an cartoon/anime character I would
> be:
> |:> GREEN LANTERN

> If I were a shape I would be:
> |:> SQUARE

> If I were a number I would be:
> |:> 12

------------
imy,K. :(

Saturday the 14th

i always think that the superstitious Friday the 13th will have no effect on me but thinking of what happened to me the last time, i dreaded what's in store for me the day after. and here it is...

Saturday, August 14th, 2004

was scheduled to call Karen at 10pm after my Sunday School Teaching class. So before the class, i bought a Sulit-tipid land line PLDT prepaid card. Didn't bother to review EVERYTHING that it says on the card but seeing it was a PLDT landline prepaid card, i thought its ok. And it boasts a cheaper IDD call rate so i thought it would be better than the usual PLDT Touch Card i buy.
When I got home after the class and as i was about to dial the access number, I found out that it's only usable for sulit-tipid PLDT lines. whatthe?? I tried calling from my cell phone but I can't make an IDD call. I wonder. SUN hasn't told me i'm barred of placing an IDD call yet. So last resort, texting. All messages I tried to send that night failed. And i was home alone, no other cell phones to use, can't go out again coz streets leading to the subdiviion exit was already flooded due to heavy downpour. I know it may sound a small deal but it isn't. I have told myself to fulfill any promises i make since Karen & I were officially on. And i knew she was waiting. I might have ruined her schedule coz it was also her mom's birthday. I was thinking that they might go out and that maybe she just waited for my call and there was no call or anything. I feel awful.

on another story, after turning down the offer of Sykes Asia, a certain Joseph of Convergys called me at my mobile phone. We talked about my former application and my (current) interest in applying, but i was able to talk straightfoward to him regarding my preferences and things to consider about working in a call center. I apologized for sounding too choosy but he said he admired me for being frank about my priorities. He said he'll keep my resume and my (online) application on his table and when i have decided to pursue my application with them, he told me to call his number and he'll be glad to assist me. I thanked him for it.
But still, i'm having second thoughts in working in call centers. I don't mind working a graveyard shift but what i can't live up to is the shifting schedule. have a more important thing to prioritize than a job.

huwaaat???

I just installed our new printer and i was glad to do a test print when our helper called me from outside:

Thelma: "Jun! may tao dito sa tubig." (duh! Jon ako hindi Jun)

Me: "Ha?? may tao sa tubig?"

Thelma: "Hindi, putulan daw kayo ng tubig, harapin mo kasi di pa ko tapus maglaba."

I went out to see the man from Sta. Lucia and asked what the problem is. He showed me a billing statement saying that we haven't paid for our water bill for two months. huwaaat???!!! Ok, so I told him to hold the disconnection and I have to rush the payment NOW to their office. At baka hindi pa ako makaligo ngayon. sheesh...

ciao!

contemplating...

i don't know what to do. i've been thinking about what to do with my life the whole day. i was with my best friend at lunch time til afternoon, then late afternoon, i went to see jun & his wife at their condo. i picked espie up from the central office and we went to their place afterwards. jun, angel, and their daughter are scheduled to leave for Canada tomorrow. i saw their wedding album. could it be that i'm just rushing things too much? my mind is way ahead of me. i hope time catches up soon.

Family bonding

Just arrived from SM Megamall with my mom, dad and cousin faith. We bought a new printer for our home PC and we also bought VCD Tagalog movies. After we’ve watched them, we’re going to send them to my sister so they can watch Tagalog movies too. I know how they crave for these tagalong films and I’m sure even the kids will love ‘em. I’m thinking of making it a business when I get back there. Hmm…

Anyway, I got to test drive the terrano SUV (AT) which my dad always bring here every weekend. It’s a company car and he gets to use it. Lucky, eh?

Yesterday, I met my PEx pals at Megamall and we just had a nice chat while having our lunch at Dencio’s Megastrip. But before that, I was waiting for Charmaine’s hubby for his package but he never showed up. Now, only his padala is left here at home. He has my contact numbers and I tried keeping in touch with him but its irritating coz he seems not to care about Charmaine’s padala to him. Alangan namang ako pa ang pumunta sa kanya sa Caloocan?

I miss keng. :(

Life's little pleasure

Lady: Sir dito po.
Me: hihiga?
Lady: hubad muna po kayo.
Me: lahat??
Lady: (grins) yung t-shirt lang po (walks out of the room)
I was giggling while I was taking off my shirt and as I lay in bed, I put it on top of my tummy.

My cousin Burn was offered a free facial massage and he asked if he could take with him a couple more persons. So he took me and his sister with him at Slimmer’s World in SM Megamall yesterday morning. It was my first time to have a facial massage. Never in my entire life have I availed of this service (which I believe is just for pleasure) or anything that “pampers” you (say, foot spa, body scrub, and the likes…)

Anyway, after the session, a receptionist explained to us the things that we have to know about blackheads and whiteheads. She tried to tell us we have open pores and must avail of their facial treatment program. For at least 8Kpesos, like, excuse me. I have better things to spend my money with. I said, “you can give me a tan instead. I don’t really love my complexion.” And she reiterated, “Oh no, your complexion is very fine. Would you like to avail of our body scrub program?”, “Ok, I’ll think about it and let you know”, I replied.

And cell phone numbers were given.

(re)Familiarizing

I’ve been going out of the house for the past week, trying to familiarize myself with the changes that have happened in Manila for almost a year. At the same time, I meet with people who are the recipients of the padala I brought from friends in Mississauga. Here are some things that struck me for real:

• Passenger fare. The minimum fare for a jeepney ride now marks at 5.50 pesos, from the 4-peso fare I left with a year ago. Even the self-regulating FX operators and drivers of Cubao-Rizal increased their fare to an additional of 5 pesos. Updating myself with current events and news through my still-favorite-morning-show Unang Hirit, I’ve learned that oil prices here in Manila went up 6x since January of this year. And anytime next few days, passenger fare might just increase. Again.
• Steaming hot. I’ve been a hater of cold weather ever since I was born but I never expected that I’m almost giving up with the weather here in Manila. Summer is supposed to have ended in June and next month marks the start of the “ber” months, which means, cold weather should start to breeze in these days. But no. I have to bear the sweat and perspiration every time I do anything. Even when taking a bath.
• Air pollution. Nothing new with this and it’s even worsening. I just hope we get a cleaner air to breathe even when we are on the streets but I believe, as long as our transportation vehicles use diesel gasoline, the dream would be far from reality. What is left with our future? Sad.
• Rat race. Not the usual meaning of it, but the number of rats here at home doubled, or I even guess it tripled. At night, we hear them racing each other on our ceiling, and we can not leave any food stocks, leftovers, or even our rubber shoes where these rats can find and reach them. So, we have to install our shoes in a “secured” cabinet, if not, HANG them where these rats can’t reach them. If “rats” is a curse word, I’d say it to these rats--- RATS!
• Retail prices. A hundred pesos’ value has gone to the cellar. It’s not even enough to treat a friend with a value meal from the popular fast food chains in the country. If you do, chances are, you will end up buying your friend a meal while you just settle for a glass of water for yourself. Maybe, it’s safe to say that a hundred pesos is just good for an FX ride, two-way--- going to destination, and going back home from destination. It’s just that.

I need a job.

------------

PLUGGING

The life story of actor JOHN REGALA will be featured tomorrow (Thursday) in GMA 7's Magpakailanman.
John Regala had his share of life's ups and downs, and how he renewed his life from its deepest point, will be shown in the said program. John is now a brother in faith, an active member of the Iglesia Ni Cristo.

Changes, plans and things to do

I have been longing to update my stories into the next chapter and the new layout seems perfect for it. However, I was disappointed to see that my past stories’ layouts were lost even if I only published my blog’s index. Even the date-time zones were adjusted so the recorded entries when I was in Mississauga were lost. It took me a lot of time in changing those templates each month and with just one click, they were all gone. Moving on…

I have yet to stay at home for a day since I arrived in Manila last Tuesday night. I always get myself busy, meeting up with friends and relatives, to keep my mind off the people I left in the west. Memories of them give me sadness, well, at least for the first few weeks of my comeback.

Still have a lot of padala here to be delivered to my friends’ relatives. Hopefully, I could contact all of them within this week so I could have the rest of the days for myself. I still have a lot to do and accomplish. It includes job hunting. Speaking of job hunting, I was scheduled to have an exam today at Sykes Asia but I can’t seem to see myself working in a call center community. So I’ll pass on it. I would want to work in the government, in any department, and realize one of my dreams--- literal public service. ”Mamamayan muna, hindi mamaya na.”

a new chapter

First day of August and i was motivated to blog just to rant. Printer here at home is busted so I have to pay at least 60pesos for having 4 color pages printed. Plus, i have met with my cousins today but wasn't able to chat well with them because of this stupid cold which i believe is caused by allergy. i have never had cold in a year where the environment has little dust and air pollution, and add the fact that i feel like a meat being cooked in an oven even if i take a bath three times a day. its freakin' hot and my body's water supply is madly in love with whatever clothes i wear, so it prefers to stick with it thru sweating rather than stay into my body to keep me from being dehydrated. at least, i get to drink more H2O than before. I badly need to.

earlier, i went to National bookstore and bought a bunch of Hallmark cards which i will be sending accross the globe in the coming days. i missed going rounds at the said store. it still remains to be my favorite hang out place here in Manila.

i'll be meeting with Espie tomorrow and discuss some matter pertaining to her upcoming wedding (with Charlie). I hope we could come up with the best deals in terms of everything.

i'm taking a bath... again.

a week has almost passed since i left Mississauga. during my air trip (where i had 3 stopovers), i was thinking about how frequent i travel either by air or water accross islands. Since i was in my grade school years, i have been travelling by plane. counting as i can still recall, i have a total of 12 air flights (back and forth) and 5 sea travels since i started crossing islands. among those the saddest trip was my latest, from Toronto-Pearson airport to NAIA. Thinking why, i have thought of these few reasons:

> i travelled alone
> almost a year i was with my nephew & niece
> life is beginning to be established in Mississauga
> true friends found, close relatives are always "around" or in other terms, a "family" surrounds me
> God blessed me with a person whom i believe will be my partner for the rest of my life.

and yes, i HAVE to leave all of them. at least, just temporarily.

i swear, i could have been so sentimental during those hours when i have to leave but i focussed my mind on other things, not thinking of what i have done with those people for the past year of my life. i have been through a lot i can say, four seasons--- many things happened and experienced. and they were wonderful! people keep on saying that Manila is my life. i would still like to believe but now, its never the same. i'm trying to get my life back but it will never be the same again.

I still love Manila. I'm still Filipino, i'm not throwing away my citizenship nor my heart's love for the country. Only, i would want to settle where my loved ones are, for the rest of my life.

i don't feel like blogging.  i just want everyone (reading this) to know that i have safely landed NAIA at 2230hrs, july 27, Manila time.  i miss karen.

Schedule:

July 24 - Saturday

morning - washed, dried and prepared my clothes for thanksgiving worship
noon - cleaned our driveway
after lunch - took my lunch and prepared for the worship service
6:00PM - performed my duty
8PM something - dined in at Mandarin Buffet courtesy of Ka Leda & Ka Lito with Kuya Shaun, Sherilyn, good buddies Noriel & Charlie, and of course, Karen.
10PM something - went straight to Jen's house coz my ate & kuya didn't have the house key so i have to drop by where they spent the hours after the service.
11PM something - i called it a day.

July 25 - Sunday

almost 6:30AM - blog update
8AM - prepare for church
12noon - church performance
after lunch - go to Walmart and process some photos
afternoon - help in house preparation for a *surprise* party
evening - people here at home
late evening - still awake
midnight to dawn - pack my things and close the balikbayan box

July 26 - Monday (Happy birthday, froggy buddy!)

3:00AM - proceed to Pearson Airport
6:35AM - plane take-off to Detroit, plane gets passengers and take off to LA, change plane then take off to Narita Japan, and finally...

...July 27 - Tuesday

10:30PM - touch down to NAIA.

ack!! where has my Tuesday gone?

Beautiful, beautiful Saturday!  It's thanksgiving day for the church (worldwide) today and tomorrow, starting off with the CWS.

Yesterday was a busy day.  My kuya & i, together with the kids, hit the road as early as 9AM off to Dixie Mall to have his long-sleeve shirt exchanged and buy a couple more.  Then we went to Sears to look for curtain rods.  Then off we went to Huan Ming to buy my sinigang recipes, while kuya butch looked for some fruits.  Next stop was this Oriental store somewhere in Hurontario and i got myself a balikbayan box.  Inside, i bumped into Jun's mom who was at the counter counting changes.  Then at almost 1.5 hours after lunch, we sped off to South Common to do some banking transactions and more grocery shopping at No Frills.  Afterwich, we went to Erin Mills Town Centre to fetch Karen and then, we fetched my sister from work.  We still have to go to Walmart in Square One to finish off the things we need for the curtains.  Finally, we were home at around 5PM.  Karen & I immediately cooked my favorite dish and prepared fruit salad afterwards while my sister and kuya butch attended to decorating the interior of the house.  The house got new curtains and it looked more cozy.  Later on, my sister baked some cheesed tahong.  Around past 9PM, our guests arrived--- the Dimaculangan family.  First time Ka Izrael and Kuya J went into the house while Ate Lean and Richard didn't make it.  Almost twelve midnight when I called it a day.

Threes & Ones
copied from Frances' blog

Ones...
NAME YOU GO BY: jon
NAME YOU GO BY ONLINE: aajao
NAME YOU MOST LIKE TO BE CALLED: kuya jon
NAME THAT IS FOR EXCLUSIVE USE OF JUST ONE OR A FEW PEOPLE: baby
THING YOU'RE GOOD AT: listening to other peoples rantings(?) 
THING YOU'RE BAD AT: showing emotion
RANDOM PERSON YOU KNOW: friend mariel
RANDOM THING YOU'D LIKE TO DO TO/WITH THAT PERSON: kofi chat
FRIEND YOU'D LIKE TO SEE: marvin biliwang
WORD YOU CAN ASSOCIATE WITH SAID FRIEND: bill
FRIEND FROM THE OPPOSITE SEX: annie leah
REASON WHY THOUGHT OF HER: coz she always asks for my advise
FOOD YOU CAN EAT FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE: pork sinigang (kailangan pa bang i-memorize yan?)
THING YOU'RE AFRAID OF: my dad out of the fold
THING YOU LOVE TO DO: blog-hopping
THING YOU'RE INTERESTED IN: life
DOMESTIC ANIMAL YOU'D LIKE TO HAVE AS A PET: puppy
WILD ANIMAL YOU'D LIKE TO HAVE AS A PET: dragon
GAME YOU LIKE TO PLAY: chess
PC/ELECTRONIC GAME YOU LIKE TO PLAY: NBA Live
QUOTE YOU LIVE BY: "Everything happens for a reason."
PERSONAL MOTTO YOU LIVE BY: "All things happen with a purpose."
COLOR YOU LIKE YOUR THINGS TO BE COLORED WITH: mint green
COLOR YOU LIKE TO WEAR: blue
RANDOM NUMBER: 12
BOOK YOU'D LIKE TO READ: Bible
BOOK YOU'VE FINISHED AND LIKED: Bakit Baligtad Magbasa Ang Mga Pilipino (Bob Ong)
BOOK YOU'VE FINISHED AND HATED: none in particular
MOVIE YOU HATE: Blair Witch Project
SONG YOU LOVE: Aubrey (Bread)
(TYPE OF) SONG YOU HATE: metal
ACTOR YOU'D LIKE TO MEET: Tito Dolphy
ACTRESS YOU'D LIKE TO MEET: Hilary Duff
REASON WHY YOU'RE STILL ALIVE: God still wills
REASON WHY YOU BELIEVE IN GOD: there is life, there is death, then there is life again.
TITLE YOU'D GIVE YOUR LIFE: Kuya

Threes...
3 movies you like the most:
> ID4
> Love Actually
> Ten Commandments
3 things you do when taking exam:
> pray
> copy
> pass
3 foods you ate in the last 12hrs:
> beef sinigang (with rice)
> watermelon
> tortang giniling (with rice)
3 songs (hymns) you heard in the last 24hrs:
> 292
> 231
> 171
3 mags/books/newspaper you read recently:
> Toronto Star
> Jughead Jones double digest
> Teen Magazine
3 popular ladies you wanna meet:
> Miriam Quiambao
> Keira Knightley
> Oprah Winfrey
3 malls you frequently visit/shop:
> Square One
> Erin Mills Town Centre
> Dixie Mall
3 fastfood/resto you like:
> Jollibee
> Max's
> Pickel Barrel
3 things you will do this week:
> perform in thanksgiving services
> pack my things
> eat with family & friends
3 (it's a must) for a date:
> money
> venue
> subject of conversation
3 goals in life:
> get a dual citizenship 
> get a job and be stable
> marry and have a simple-living family
3 things you do when you're alone:
> check emails
> update blog
> PEx
3 most romantic lines for you:
err... pass.